Red Gum Garden Wall - General

[husky]

Hi guys, im in the process of landscaping our backyard. I plan to construct a redgum sleeper wall 13m in length and 400mm high(2 x 200mm sleepers). I plan to cut some sleepers down to use them as posts and use screw fixings from behind so no bolt heads or nails are visible.
A couple of queries
- Has anyone simply placed the posts in the ground and re packed with soil? The wall is not structural at all and is only holding back maybe 300mm of soil. The reason being that I realise I may have to replace the wall many years down the track and this will be easier done if I do not use concrete. We live on clay so I think they would be suitably fixed.
- What products(if any) can I apply annually to retain the colour of the sleepers? One of the main reasons I chose red gum over treated pine was for the colour and natural characteristics. I dont really like the grey/rustic look that will occur over time. There must be a product that can be applied to retain or replace the lost colour?
- Is there a product I can use to healp seal the sleepers from moisture before I construct the wall? Especially the cut ends going into the ground.

Any help or info would be greatly appreciated!

[Planned LScape]

I would recommend some rapid set in with the posts...even though temporary it will give it a bit more firmer footing, and the weight of waterlogged soil can push it over as well as softening up the previously "hard" clay you backfilled the post hole with. You could also do what fencers do and mix cement with the dirt... up to you I spose

As for the protectant, try an oil or clear surface paint product, similar to what you would put on decking. Redgum tends to split and warp severely in some cases and this would help eliminate it somewhat.

[husky]

Thanks for the input, I ended up going for galvanised columns for the posts and concreted them in 500mm. It was a little more work and money but at least I know that if the redgum ever rots or requires replacing it will be a simple job as the posts should be good for 100 years!
To cap the wall off Im thinking of using another sleeper on its side which should act as a bit of a seat as well. Has anyone done this and have pictures they can post up? To secure the top sleeper im thinking of using 100x75 steel ancles with coach screws into the sleepers.
cheers

[Cath]

Hi all

I am an absolute novice - I do not even own a hammer.

I have just moved into a big rambling property with crumbling steps and want to start to learn how to build garden steps. Can any one offer any help on how to learn to build steps?

How would I start - is there an idiots guide book - a step by step guide anyway?

Many thanks

Cath